Lakeside Christian

At a glance

Coach: James Coffman (13th season)

Class: Sunshine State Conference/Coastal District (eight-man)

Last year: 7-2 (lost in state semifinals)

Key players: QB/DB James Jackson, Jr.; C Eason Lanier, Sr.; RB/LB Bradley McLane, Sr.; RB/TE/LB Nick Rivera, Sr.;  K Antonio Soriano, Sr.

Schedule

Sept. 4 at Gainesville Oak Hall L 24-30

Sept. 12 at Real Life Christian Academy

Sept. 18 at Canterbury

Sept. 25 at Oasis Christian

Oct. 2 vs. Real Life Christian Academy

Things to know

Powerful motivator

Lakeside Christian made it to the state semifinals for the first in eight-man football last season. The Lions had a pass just missed off the fingertips of a receiver in the end zone on the final play in a 32-28 loss to Harvest Community. The painful memories of that loss served a motivator this offseason. “They all remember how that felt and want to get back to take that next step,” Lions coach James Coffman said.  

Super seniors

Lakeside has four returnees — center Eason Lanier, running back/linebacker Bradley McLane, running back/tight end/linebacker Nick Rivera and kicker Antonio Soriano — who are all seniors and played since they were freshmen. Lanier, McLane and Rivera were all named captains, along with James Jackson, a junior who is taking over at quarterback this season.